David Villa: 'I was close to signing for Arsenal'

David Villa reveals that he held talks with Arsenal and Arsene Wenger in 2013, before signing for Atletico Madrid after three years at Barcelona.

Former Spain striker David Villa has revealed that he was close to signing for Arsenal in 2013 before a potential deal collapsed.

Villa, who spent three years at Barcelona between 2010 and 2013, scored 48 goals in 119 appearances for the Catalan giants before moving to Atletico Madrid.

The 38-year-old, who retired earlier this year, registered 15 goals in 47 appearances for Atletico as they won the La Liga title in the 2013-14 season.

However, he has since revealed that he held talks with Arsenal and Arsene Wenger before making the switch to Diego Simeone's side.

"We were in a lot of meetings and a lot of calls. I felt 90% in that moment that I [would] go to Arsenal and Arsene Wenger," Villa told BBC Sport.

"But in that moment we didn't arrive to the deal, Atletico Madrid arrived and in three or four days fixed everything.

"I don't know what would have happened if I'd signed for Arsenal. I'm very happy that I signed for Atletico Madrid, not just for winning the league but for everything. I'm very happy to have made that choice."